Cruising is one of the best ways to vacation, with ocean views, endless food, and no need to repack your suitcase every night. However, let’s be honest… the people you travel with (or bump into onboard) can make or break the experience!
We asked our Life Well Cruised Facebook community, “What’s the worst kind of person to cruise with?” and over 500 cruisers chimed in with their honest, fun, and occasionally hilarious responses.
From serial complainers to deck chair hogs, the answers were a mix of funny, frustrating, and surprisingly relatable.
If you’ve ever shared a cabin with a snorer, dodged an elevator over-sharer, or silently judged someone licking their fingers at the buffet, this one’s for you!
Let’s dive into the list of the worst cruise companions, according to real cruisers who have been there, done that, and booked a solo cabin next time.
12 Worst Types of Cruisers to Sail With
1. The Constant Complainer
One of the most common responses from our community was about people who just can’t stop complaining. Certain cruisers seem determined to find something wrong with everything, whether it’s the food, the weather, or the showtimes.
One community member shared, “I’m pretty easygoing, but someone who complains a lot is the worst for me! Negative vibes have no place on a cruise.”
While a little venting is normal, constant negativity can take a toll, especially when trying to enjoy your cruise vacation. If you’re cruising with someone who can’t stop criticizing every aspect of the trip, staying in that happy, relaxed mindset is tough.
2. The Over-Planner
Another recurring theme? People who treat a cruise like a military operation, planning every moment from sunrise to midnight.
One cruiser said, “Someone who wants every hour to have a scheduled activity… I can understand that when you’re new to cruising, but after a while, our goal is to book a suite with a balcony and almost not leave it!”
While it’s great to make the most of your time onboard, vacations are meant to have a little breathing room. If your travel companion insists on dragging you from bingo to belly flop contests without a moment of peace, it can feel more like work than fun.
3. The Party-Only Passenger
Cruises are well known for their lively atmosphere and flowing drinks, but not everyone is looking to spend their entire vacation in party mode. Several community members called out the “all-day drinker” as one of the worst cruise companions.
“Someone that only wants to drink and not have fun,” one person shared. Another said, “The person who drinks too much and turns into an obnoxious drunk!”
There’s nothing wrong with enjoying a cocktail or two. However, if someone’s behavior starts to affect the people around them, or they’re missing out on activities, meals, and conversations, it can become unpleasant for their travel companions.
4. The Unappreciative Guest
Cruise ship crew members go above and beyond to deliver an incredible guest experience; most cruise passengers are grateful for it. Unfortunately, not everyone shows that appreciation.
One member said it plainly: “The unappreciative. The crew do everything to make our cruises wonderful. They deserve to be recognized and appreciated!”
Traveling with someone who constantly complains to or about the staff, or acts entitled instead of courteous, can be deeply uncomfortable. A little kindness and gratitude go a long way, not just for the crew, but for everyone’s overall mood onboard.
5. The Cabin Hermit
Cruising is packed with opportunities to explore new destinations, meet interesting people, and try something new every day. However, not everyone comes out of their shell, some don’t even leave the stateroom.
“Someone who wants to stay in the room rather than go out and meet people,” one person commented, while another added, “Sleepers.”
While we totally get the appeal of a balcony and room service day, cruising with someone who refuses to join in on anything can make the experience feel pretty one-sided. If you were hoping to share adventures and memories, it’s tough when your travel buddy would rather nap through them.
6. The Rude or Entitled Cruiser
We’ve all encountered them: the people who treat crew members poorly, cut in line at the buffet, or act like the rules don’t apply to them.
One cruiser put it simply: “A person with an entitlement attitude and rude behavior.”
That kind of energy can create tension not just for their cabin mates, but for everyone around them. A vacation is always better when everyone shows a little patience and courtesy, and it’s amazing how far a smile and a “thank you” can go.
Related: Secrets Only Cruise Crew Members Know
7. The Snorer
Sleep is important on vacation, especially when you’ve got a full day of excursions or onboard fun ahead. Unfortunately, if you’re sharing a cabin with a loud snorer, restful sleep might be hard to come by.
As one community member put it, “Anyone who snores in the cabin.”
While snoring isn’t something people can help, it becomes a real problem in the tight quarters of a cruise cabin. Whether it’s earplugs, a white noise machine, or separate cabins, it’s something to consider if you’re planning to travel together.
8. The Overly Flirtatious Guest
Cruise ships are romantic places, but some people take that idea way too far. One Facebook community member summed it up with, “The old guy who hits on every single lady.”
While a little flirting can be fun, unwanted attention or persistent advances can quickly become uncomfortable. Respecting boundaries is key to keeping things light and enjoyable for everyone onboard.
9. The Tech-Obsessed Cruiser
Sometimes the worst cruise companion is the one who’s physically there but mentally somewhere else on their phone, buried in their inbox, or endlessly scrolling social media.
One cruiser shared, “Someone who won’t put the technology down and live in the moment to enjoy their vacation.”
As a Gen Zer, I’ll admit I sometimes catch myself spending a bit too much time on my phone during a cruise. But I always try to remind myself to unplug and soak in the moment—the ocean views, the sunshine, and everything a cruise has to offer.
Technology is great for capturing memories, but cruising is one of those rare chances to disconnect and truly be present. Putting the phone away, even for an hour or two, can completely transform your experience.
10. The Latecomer
You know the type. The show starts at 8, and they stroll in at 8:15, blocking views, whispering loudly, and wondering why the good seats are taken.
One Life Well Cruised Community member wrote, “The someone’s that show up late to shows.”
When it comes to entertainment, timing matters. Being late isn’t just inconvenient for you, it’s also disruptive for everyone else trying to enjoy the moment.
11. The Rule-Breaking Smoker
Cruise lines have designated smoking areas, and for good reason. Not everyone wants to deal with secondhand smoke while they’re sipping coffee on the balcony or lounging by the pool.
“Someone who wants to be smoking always,” one person said bluntly.
It’s one thing to enjoy a cigarette in the appropriate area. However, ignoring the rules or lighting up in the wrong place can quickly make you unpopular and can lead to repercussions from the cruise line.
12. The Know-It-All
Every cruise has one: the person who’s been on exactly 17 cruises, knows the “real” reason the ship turned around, and has strong opinions on how you should be spending your sea day.
One community member summed it up perfectly: “Someone who knows it all!”
It’s great to cruise with someone experienced, but when every tip turns into a lecture and every fun fact becomes a full-blown monologue, it can start to feel less like a vacation and more like a TED Talk at sea.
Sharing knowledge is helpful. Constantly correcting others? Not so much.
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Who’s your least favorite kind of cruiser to sail with? Please let me know in the comments below!
Happy Cruising!
Ethan
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Ethan Schattauer, a seasoned cruiser since the age of four, has gone on over 40 cruises with his family. Drawing from his extensive travel experiences, Ethan offers a fresh and youthful perspective on the world of cruising. He also writes about cruise cuisine, onboard experiences, and practical tips, providing valuable insights for cruise travelers worldwide.